Becoming a Super Lab Manager

Cover Story

There is hardly a company in the world that hasn't been affected by the global economic downturn. In an economy such as ours, management should help alleviate the stress put on employees worrying about job security. Communication is key, and when staff members are aware of an organization's goals, productivity and motivation improve.

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In coming up with ways to motivate their staff, managers should take into account the different age cohorts that exist among employees. These groups all value different things and have various expectations when it comes to work. This article outlines ways of approaching each of these cohorts.

During the past year, scientists around the country have encountered various challenges, including an unpredictable world economy, thousands of job losses, and pharmaceutical megamergers. There cannot possibly be a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, can there? Think again.

Whether your R&D operation functions as one central laboratory or as several smaller laboratories, the location chosen can impact facets of your business differently. From personnel relocation to reducing operating costs, several factors should be taken into consideration when determining the best location for your lab.

Human activities produce most of the mercury found in the environment. After it settles into rivers, lakes and oceans, it reacts with microorganisms and converts to methyl mercury, which builds up in predatory fish. Regulatory bodies around the world have initiated strict legislation to monitor mercury levels in seafood to protect the health of consumers.

The quality and reliability of your laboratory equpment is central to generating results. Those results have a vital impact on the success of your lab, and when an instrument fails, your reputation can suffer. Choosing the right service provider is therefore essential.

Glassware washing machines are more than convenience appliances: They ensure consistent cleaning of critical labware, free up technician time for more value-added work, and provide assurance and validation in regulated industries.

The U.S. imports food from more than 150 countries and territories. Much of it is fresh produce and seafood, which can carry microscopic contaminants. While these contaminants become smaller and more sophisticated and food safety laws become stricter, food testing laboratories are coming up with new technologies and processes to detect chemical toxins before they reach the consumer.

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as PAH, are used as plasticizers in many caoutchouc products, such as the rubber grips of tools. Some PAH have a proven carcinogenic effect on humans; this is why there are critical limits for the maximum